UW-Madison vs NC State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Raleigh, North Carolina, home to two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison and North Carolina State University at Raleigh. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a lower acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the globe. NCSU, on the other hand, offers a more accessible admissions process, welcoming a larger proportion of in-state students. Explore their contrasting popular majors, from UW-Madison's strengths in the humanities and social sciences to NCSU's focus on STEM fields. Discover the nuances in their student demographics, graduation rates, and more by delving into the comprehensive comparison table provided. Whether you seek a bustling urban setting or a charming college town, this side-by-side analysis will guide you towards the university that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	North Carolina State University at Raleigh	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Raleigh, North Carolina	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	47.5%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $85 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1270 - 1440	1320 - 1500
ACT range	27 - 32	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	21.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	34.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	32,998	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	15,669	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,046	8,465
Yield rate	32.2%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,986 Out of state: $45,771	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$14,328	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $6,535 Out of state: $27,320	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,768 Meal plan: $4,833	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	62.0% Average amount $9,318	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,022	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $14,600	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	26,505 Men 50.9% Women 49.1%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	10,326 Men 49.8% Women 50.2%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	12.9%	50.6%
International students	9.5%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	10,024	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey Maryland	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Agriculture Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.4%	89.2%
Dropout rate	5.0%	10.0%
Transferred out	9.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,745 Year 2: $103,078 Year 3: $122,470 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,886 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $113,307 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,892 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $92,582 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,869 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $88,476 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,974 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $88,260 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,860 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $86,459 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,857 Year 2: $70,710 Year 3: $83,417 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,627 Year 2: $70,057 Year 3: $83,342 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,222 Year 2: $69,757 Year 3: $81,552 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,081 Year 2: $70,253 Year 3: $80,463	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $131,458 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,083 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $130,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,390 Year 2: $113,091 Year 3: $124,360 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $96,320 Year 2: $117,042 Year 3: $123,777 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,338 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $111,424 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $104,219 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,387 Year 2: $100,213 Year 3: $103,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $97,306 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $94,093 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,730 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $91,306

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and North Carolina State University at Raleigh?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, and its vibrant campus life in the state capital. North Carolina State University (NC State) is also a large, public research university, but it's primarily focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, with a strong emphasis on practical application and industry partnerships. UW-Madison has a more traditional, broad-based academic approach, while NC State is more career-oriented and specialized.
Which university is better for STEM fields?

While both universities offer strong STEM programs, NC State is generally considered to be particularly strong in engineering, computer science, agriculture, and related technical fields. UW-Madison also has excellent STEM programs, especially in biological sciences, chemistry, and physics, but NC State's focus and industry connections give it a slight edge for students seeking career-focused STEM education.
How do the campus environments compare?

UW-Madison is located in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, a lively city with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and a progressive culture. The campus is situated on an isthmus between two lakes, offering beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. NC State is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, a rapidly growing city with a more suburban feel. The campus is larger and more spread out than UW-Madison's, and the surrounding area offers a mix of urban and natural environments. UW-Madison has a more traditional college town atmosphere, while NC State's environment is more integrated with the broader Raleigh community.
What are the tuition and cost of attendance differences?

Generally, tuition and cost of attendance will vary depending on residency status. However, both universities are public institutions, so out-of-state tuition will be significantly higher than in-state tuition. Historically, UW-Madison's out-of-state tuition has been slightly higher than NC State's, but it's essential to check the most current figures on each university's website for the most accurate information. Also, consider the cost of living in Madison versus Raleigh, as this can impact the overall cost of attendance.
How do the admission requirements compare?

Both UW-Madison and NC State are selective universities, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and compelling essays. NC State may place slightly more emphasis on STEM-related coursework and experience in the admissions process, while UW-Madison may consider a broader range of academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and average GPA/test score ranges for admitted students.
Which university has a stronger alumni network?

Both universities have extensive and active alumni networks. UW-Madison's alumni network is particularly strong in the Midwest and across various industries, while NC State's alumni network is heavily concentrated in the Southeast, especially in the technology, engineering, and agricultural sectors. The strength of each network depends on your field of study and desired geographic location for employment.
What are the research opportunities like at each university?

Both UW-Madison and NC State are major research universities with abundant research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison has a strong research presence across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and the humanities. NC State's research is particularly focused on STEM fields, with significant funding and partnerships in areas like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology. Students at both universities can find research opportunities through faculty connections, departmental programs, and university-wide initiatives.
How do the universities compare in terms of student life and extracurricular activities?

Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities. UW-Madison is known for its vibrant campus life, with a strong emphasis on student government, arts and culture, and outdoor recreation. NC State also has a robust student life scene, with a focus on engineering and technology-related clubs, Greek life, and athletics. UW-Madison's campus is more centrally located and walkable, making it easier to participate in campus events, while NC State's larger campus offers a wider variety of recreational facilities.
Which university is better for international students?

Both UW-Madison and NC State welcome international students and offer support services to help them adjust to life in the United States. Both universities have dedicated international student offices that provide assistance with visa issues, housing, and cultural adjustment. The 'better' university depends on the specific program of study and the student's individual needs and preferences. Research the specific programs and support services offered by each university to determine which is the best fit.
How do the career services compare at each university?

Both UW-Madison and NC State offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. NC State's career services are particularly strong in connecting students with employers in the STEM fields, especially in the Research Triangle Park area. UW-Madison's career services are more broadly focused, with connections to employers across a wider range of industries and geographic locations. Both universities offer internship and co-op programs to help students gain practical experience.

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